Bry A, Wigert H. Organizational climate and interpersonal interactions among registered nurses in a neonatal intensive care unit: A qualitative study.
J Nurs Manag 2022;
30:2031-2038. [PMID:
35478366 PMCID:
PMC9790375 DOI:
10.1111/jonm.13650]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM
The aim of this work is to describe the organizational climate and interpersonal interactions experienced by registered nurses in a level III neonatal intensive care unit.
BACKGROUND
Neonatal nurses have a demanding task in caring for a varied, highly vulnerable patient population and supporting patients' families. Nurses' psychosocial work environment affects quality of care as well as nurses' job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
METHOD
Semistructured interviews with 13 nurses, covering numerous aspects of their psychosocial work environment, were analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
High staff turnover and a preponderance of inexperienced nurses were described as stressful and detrimental to group cohesion. Work at the unit was considered overly demanding for newly qualified nurses, while senior nurses expressed frustration at the work of training new nurses who might not stay. While some were very satisfied with the group climate, others complained of a negative climate and incivilities from some experienced nurses toward new recruits.
CONCLUSIONS
High turnover and variable competence among staff present challenges for maintaining a positive organizational climate.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT
Management should communicate a clear sense of the nature of neonatal intensive care when recruiting, foster group cohesion (e.g., by creating stable work teams) and reward commitment to working at the unit.
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